The Rover P5/P5B

[Styria]

P5 Manual transmission and overdrive on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/182819764442?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

Bryce, a rare find but, considering its presentation or lack thereof, grossly overpriced. As you know, I was indeed very lucky to have done much better in Canberra - I think the price per box was about $100.00, and I bought three of them. Regards Styria

 

[SEL_69L]

Rover also produced a quite small V8 powered car of a later vintage.
It was based on the Rover 75 (1999 - 2005)
The original '75' of this vintage had a 2.5 litre east west engine.
A 'badge engineered ' MG ZT version was also produced for the same years.

It was considerably modified for 1998 model year, to take the Modular Ford 4.6 litre V8, with a N-S alignment, and driving the rear wheels.
This engine produced 190kW, 410 Nm.
900 examples combined of the Rover 75 V8, and the MG ZT V8 were produced.

I knew they existed, but I haven't seen one in Australia, but I also can't see a reason why they should not have been officially imported into Australia.

They were direct competitors of the W202 C43 AMG


I guess that intending Australian buyers at this period in time may have also considered a V8 Holden Torana.

 

[sean sherry]

Now I am starting to remember, in my minds eye I can still see the single central head light and the quality interior. I also recall that the Petrol at the time ,1951, was "Pool", about 70 something Octane. Result was low compression and retarded ignition timing. No wonder they were sluggish, with a low Power to Weight Ratio. But to have a Rover back then was a sign of affluence and most other cars were sedate.

At the time in Nth Ireland ( 1950 ) a driving Licence did not require a test, Just pay 5 shillings to the Local Authority and it was issued. Also there were no Driving Schools to be taught how to drive , I just picked it up from reading Owner's Manuals which explained how to Drive in detail. Foreman in the Workshop just told me one day to move that Car, no questions asked. Same with the New Rover , just go and pick it up and work out what all the knobs were for your self !! The other Apprentice in the Shop was the same, and we never ever damaged a Car .

 

[Styria]

Sean, I can tell a story almost matching yours. Fifty years ago (my God), I wanted to obtain a Motor Cycle licence as I wanted to ride my Husqvarna 400WR on public roads and fire trails at Macksville on the North Coast. The procedure involved a trip to the local Police Station, and the Sergeant in charge instructed me to ride my bike a 100meters down the road, make a 'U' turn and come back to my starting point. Did just that, but made sure that I signalled with my right hand that I would perform that 'U' turn.

Into the Station, and whacko, I had my Rider's Licence. Just like that !
Regarding my initial car licence, I was working for Unilever at Alexandria at the time, and of course they had a 1962 Holden Panel Van. I just about drove that into the ground on the premises, and it didn't take me long to 'soft start' in 2nd or 3rd (from memory) until I was absolutely perfect at whatever my fancy took me to do. Off to Rosebery RTA with my newly acquired second hand Rover 90, and I got my licence, no not first, but second go. I got failed pulling out from the kerb too quickly. Regards Styria

 

[Styria]

Dare I say it, but these two cars represent Rovers at their very best. Both examples are nothing short of sensational in their appearance.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=150050825739534&set=gm.978395009003419&type=3&theater

Regards Styria

N.B. The car, on the left, is obviously the manual 3500S version, generally fitted from factory with a modified Rover 2000 4 speed gearbox. It is fitted with 15" "Rostyle" type wheels that were standard equipment as shown on the Coupe parked alongside the 3500S. Whoever manufactured those Rostyle rims also made them in a 14" size and those were extremely rare on the P6 Rovers. With this car, I wonder what size they are ? I had that type of rim in size 15" fitted to my 3500S, but clearance against the rear guards was always a slight issue. Note that the "S" has also those very rare rear mudflaps displaying the Rover Insignia, whilst the Coupe parked alongside also feature the comparatively rare Webasto sliding sunroof. A nice feature and both of my Rover Coupes have been fitted with the same roof.

 

[Styria]

This P5B - V8 and Borg Warner 35, has just been sold for about $8K. What a striking looking car, but showing some exterior signs of refurbishment required. I have had a closer look at the instrument panel and steering column, and I am wary of the neglected appearance of the instrument bezels (dusty and discoloured), which would make me think that the car has lacked loving care and attention. Maybe just pretty looking ?

It would be interesting to have a thorough look at this car - but doesn't the shape and lines appeal ? Regards Styria

 

[c107]

This P5B - V8 and Borg Warner 35, has just been sold for about $8K. What a striking looking car, but showing some exterior signs of refurbishment required. I have had a closer look at the instrument panel and steering column, and I am wary of the neglected appearance of the instrument bezels (dusty and discoloured), which would make me think that the car has lacked loving care and attention. Maybe just pretty looking ?

It would be interesting to have a thorough look at this car - but doesn't the shape and lines appeal ? Regards Styria

Was there a link to this car or a picture?

 

[c107]

I put 5l of petrol in my rover last night and it fired right up after not having run for a few months. It had gotten quite low and I didn't want to damage the fuel pump by running the car with no petrol in the tank. I've been impressed with the 3 liter unit - its smooth and has plenty of torque to give the car adequate performance.

 

[c107]

Styria, these are the photos I took for you:

IMG_1172 by Bryce Dunn, on Flickr

IMG_1171 by Bryce Dunn, on Flickr

 

[BenzBoy]

Is that a heater tap or a valve from the Snowy Mountains Authority?
It's huge!
Regards,
Brian

 

[sean sherry]

I have long been wondering about a remark by an Old Timer Rover Guy at the Kings School Day. He said that the BW 35 was much more reliable than the BW 65, a later design with the Band Servos built into the Case. This was not my limited experience with rebuilding Rovers .... Was he right ?????

 

[Styria]

Sean, definitely 'NO'. The BW 65 box is definitely stronger than the 35. All P5 (6cyl.) and P5B (V8 1968-1973) suffered from the use of this small box (BW 35 only). The cars were simply too heavy for this lightweight box, and it is a large part of my reason why I will not touch those models. Never mind that they look better and more attractive - R&D certainly was not up to scratch. Regards. Styria

 

[c107]

This is quite a nice example of a manual 3 litre P5. Saloon, not coupe

https://www.swva.co.uk/lot-56-rover-p5-3-litre-1965/

 

[Styria]

.....and whatsmore, it is a four speed with a Lay#### de Normanville overdrive. Obviously quite a rare feature on the P5 (1963 to 1967) models. The front seats on this car are in remarkably good condition, with the rear just a bit 'so so'. I tend to think that the English climate would have helped plus, I suspect, it could be a low mileage car. Regards. Styria.

 

[c107]

One for Styria, a 3 part publicity video on the launch of the 'new' 3 litre car in the late 50s and some interesting coverage of how it was made:







The videos are quite an interesting view of how cars were made in the late 50s even if you have little interest in the Rover P5.

 

[c107]

Picked up a copy of this magazine yesterday. nice overview over the 3 models. Unfortunately not much on the 3 liter model, most focus is on the V8.




As you may remember, I own a very rough P5 Coupe. Its been an interesting introduction to the model. My car is too rough for me to do anything with it, so I have sold it and will deliver it to the new owner tuesday next week.

I would have another one that is much better, and is worth putting time and money into it.

 

[sean sherry]

Bryce's Rover Video was possibly the best I have seen... where have all those skills gone....Other skills probably have taken their place we hope.
The connection to the Dent Removal Videos was also the best I have seen. I have a Kit but have had limited success. Back to the drawing Board !

 

[c107]

My rover is now with its new owner after a fair uneventful drive over.

It joins a stable of 5 other rovers. I wonder if you can guess where?

 

[abl567]

Very familiar...

 

[BenzBoy]

A certain Italian Patriarch I wonder?
OOPS!!!! Austrian GF?
Regards,
Brian